On Tuesday, May 5th the Starke County Sheriff’s Department responded to the 3,000 block of 200 S for a complaint of a meth lab in a basement. When officers from the Sheriff’s Department and Knox Police Department arrived they located an inactive one-pot meth lab, precursors for manufacturing, syringes and marijuana. They were unable to locate the suspect who had fled this residence, 34 year old James E. Messer of Knox.
The Indiana State Police Clandestine Team was called to the scene to dismantle the items.
On Friday, May 8th a tip on the whereabouts of Messer lead Starke County Police to 2060 E Tribue Drive in Knox. The homeowner, 34 year old Jamie Chambers gave consent to search the residence for Messer. Officers located items associated with the manufacture of meth in plain view but learned that Messer had left just prior to their arrival.
After obtaining a search warrant officers located an inactive one-pot meth lab, precursors to manufacture meth, methamphetamines and paraphernalia. K-9 Terror assisted in searching the residence for narcotics.
Again the ISP Clandestine team was call for cleanup.
Chambers is preliminary being charged with dealing in methamphetamine, possession of precursors, possession of meth, neglect of a dependent, maintaining a common nuisance and possession of paraphernalia.
Listeners and readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
